Had an interesting conversation with a Middle Eastern man this morning....

[kag]

19. Right.

And the ISIS members blowing themselves up aren't the ones doing it for the money. They're doing FOR the ones who WANT the money and power and territory.

The whole point is that yes, the rank and file are largely devout followers of corrupt leaders. Those corrupt leaders are the ones addicted to the wealth, power, violence, etc.

It was the same with the crusades...on both sides. The mystique of monarchy in the west (King Richard, Queen Eleanor and those Kings and Queens who followed and who had their own private reasons) against the Charismatic Saladin and his family were able to persuade thousands to risk (give) their lives in wars that very few of the common foot soldiers even understood.

It's the same now. ISIS is fighting for power and the U.S. is fighting for the multinationals who currently HAVE the power. Our troops (for whom I generally have deep respect) and the ISIS suicide bombers are following the orders of those in power.

I agree with the OP. Follow the money. Always.